Fess Up: Do Self Tanners Make You a Little Nervous? (I Hope Not!)

I am a self-tanning daredevil. That's right—I don't need the safety net of the subtler build-a-tan formulas (although I sometimes do use them). In fact, I pile on the full-on several-shades-darker stuff all the time without even thinking about it. But I know not everyone is so comfortable with the whole thing. In fact, I am sure there many women get anxious just thinking about the streaky results bronzing creams got a reputation for back in the day. And not everyone has my special extra advantage (which comes courtesy of my Middle Eastern heritage):

I am a self-tanning daredevil. That's right—I don't need the safety net of the subtler build-a-tan formulas (although I sometimes do use them). In fact, I pile on the full-on several-shades-darker stuff all the time without even thinking about it. But I know not everyone is so comfortable with the whole thing. In fact, I am sure there many women get anxious just thinking about the streaky results bronzing creams got a reputation for back in the day. And not everyone has my special extra advantage (which comes courtesy of my Middle Eastern heritage):

Easy-to-tan olive skin. I know that factors in to some degree because I have super pale friend (seriously, she turns slightly blue in the winter) who tried the lightest lotion she could find and still ended up with splotches.

But I still think there's a self tanner out there for everybody. And I swear that today's formulas are way better than anything you tried several years ago. My advice: You have to experiment to find just the right amount for each body part and you have to really, really rub it in—like spend a good 45 seconds on each limb.

But all this aside, tell me: Do self tanners make you nervous? Ever had a bad experience with one? Find one that works best for you? Have I talked you into trying one finally?